Field Hockey Trounces NMH
Before a crowd of eager parents and family members, Big Red field hockey put on a close home game against Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH), ending Family Weekend on a high note. Clinching a victory in overtime, the team beat out NMH with a final score of 4-3.
Players noted that the team struggled with energy in the first half of the game. “We started out slow. During the first half, we were not making passes fast enough, so we kept winning the ball and then turning it over right away,” upper Ellie Griffin said.
However, the second half of the game showcased a significant improvement. “I do think we really channeled in and focused during the second half,” senior and co-captain Sophia Rosati said. “We picked up the pace after our first goal and got into a groove. We tried out some different formations on free hits and positions on the field, which created movement and space.”
Griffin emphasized that the team’s astute tactics allowed them to make a comeback. “For the second half, we focused on making connections and cutting in front of defenders to get the ball. This enabled us to get the ball up the field and keep it on [our scoring half],” she said. “As the game went on, we got more comfortable with our passes and free hits while [NMH] became more flustered and started throwing the ball away more.” By the end of the second half, the team brought up the score from 2-0 to a 3-3 tie.
It was not until overtime that Big Red definitively claimed their victory. “The game really kept everyone on the edge of their seats,” upper Ursie Wise said. “We won in [overtime]; Jill Cloonan scored the winning goal along with another goal earlier in the game.”
Overtime gameplay required a slight shift in strategy. “Overtime for field hockey is sudden victory, and there are only six field players and a goalie as opposed to the usual ten. Within a minute and a half of the overtime, we scored to win the game,” Griffin said. “The main strategy for overtime is to pass the ball instead of running it, and we both played good defense to win the ball and made a couple passes up the field to score.”
The players noted that good teamplay was crucial to their victory. “We went into the game planning to keep communication at a high. I think we did a really great job at that throughout the game, particularly in the second half,” Wise said. “I think one of our strengths is the support everyone on the team has for each other. It makes it such an enjoyable atmosphere.”
Upper Haruka Masamura noted both technical strengths and weaknesses. “I think one tactic that worked was just passing the ball up the sides from defense to midfield to the offense to get it up the field,” she said. “But one area we can work on is releasing the ball faster, since an extra second that we keep the ball before passing can mean an opportunity for the other team to take the ball away.”
Griffin felt that, overall, the game was a strong one. “It was a great comeback for the team! We just need to work on playing our best right at the start of the game and not just at the end,” she said.
Field hockey also wiped out the Tilton School 6-0 in a home game this Wednesday, Oct. 16. The team’s next match will be an away game at the Brooks School on Friday, Oct. 18.